Friday Favorites #191: Week of 11/24

Hello and Happy (Black) Friday!

I hope the majority of you are off and spending the day with loved ones. I’m currently saying “goodbye for now” to my mom and aunt who came to visit me during Thanksgiving, then heading off to work for the rest of the weekend. I guess you could say that this Thanksgiving Weekend looks different than what they used to look like, but that’s okay.

I’m extremely thankful for the time that I was able to spend with my family along with everything that is going on in our lives right now. I’m also grateful for all of YOU who check in on this blog and follow the LIL journey, too. You guys are the best!

Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead, whatever that might bring for you. I’m looking forward to going online later and scouting out some Black Friday deals on the Interwebs. Are any of you braving the crowds at the malls or in stores? Best of luck to you!

Today I’ve recapped a few of my favorite things this week, and I invite you to share your own Friday Favorites in the comments and link up sections below.

Have a wonderful rest of your holiday weekend!

 

Friday Favorites #191: Week of 11/24

• a special week with family in NYC

I was really excited to have my mom and aunt come visit this week! In the past, visits with both of them have been crazy and included a lot of hours of walking around Manhattan doing all of the touristy things. We had a mission to relax, unwind, and spend some time in our neighborhood and in Brooklyn this time.

I already took Tuesday off to go to two doctors appointments in Manhattan, so I was thrilled when I realized that they were able to attend them with me!

The first one was a second trimester anatomy scan and an outside facility that could offer high quality ultrasound images. This is the appointment where you typically find out the gender of the baby with a quick glance on the ultrasound! Since we aren’t finding out, the tech told us when to look away, and I have to admit that I was tempted to sneak a peek. But we didn’t!

(Look at that little face! I’m already obsessed.)

It was so amazing to see our baby through 3D ultrasounds! The appointment took over an hour because Baby H was being stubborn (again) and in a folded over position with his/her hands and feet by the head to make it tricky for the tech to get good photos and measurements. We eventually got when we needed, and headed to my OB/GYN’s office shortly after.

I’ll be sharing more about how that went in upcoming second trimester updates (next week!), but overall, our baby is healthy and as on track as we could have hoped. It was so great to have them there with me!

We decided to spend Thanksgiving mostly indoors, with the exception of grabbing hot chocolates and taking Roadie for a walk in Prospect Park yesterday. It was a beautiful day and felt great to move after a plate of Turkey Day favorites (pictured below) for lunch!

It’s crazy to think that the sun sets around 5 p.m. these days. (Right?) We took our walk with just enough time to snap some photos on our way back and took in the beautiful scenery around us.

We finished our night with more dressing for dinner (classic Thanksgiving Day move), pumpkin pie, and Christmas movies. It was the perfect end to their visit, and I already miss them already. <3

 

• surprise flowers

I got the sweetest surprise from Scott this week that really made me smile. He’s currently working an event in Monaco, France and missed Thanksgiving, but I received a cute bouquet of roses to let me know that he’s thinking of me and “fish”.

That’s what he’s been calling Baby H because it totally sounds like a fish swimming around in my belly when we listen to the heartbeat and movements on our heartbeat doppler. I didn’t like it at first, but now it has grown on me and I think it’s adorable.

I do have to note, however, that this small bouquet is not remotely what he ordered. He sent me a picture of his purchase that showed two dozen roses! He’s going to contact the company to let them know we clearly didn’t get what we paid for (and honestly, I think it’s hilarious), but the cute collection of stems made my week, nonetheless.

 

• Friend of a Farmer (Brooklyn Heights)

I know I’ve mentioned this restaurant at least a time or two on the blog before, but it deserves another mention after this week’s outing. If you’re ever in Brooklyn or near Gramercy Park in Manhattan, you need to check out Friend of a Farmer for brunch, lunch, dinner, and/or drinks and desserts. It’s the coziest atmosphere that instantly takes you away from the craziness of New York City and feels like a breath of fresh air every time I visit!

The menu is made up of unique dishes made for leftovers or splitting for two, as the portions are pretty large. (Score!) Everything I’ve tried so far is absolutely delicious including the Terry Allan Chicken and Boneless Braised Beef Short Rib dinners. The three of us enjoyed those two entrées with the addition of steamed spinach and brussels sprouts with bacon and onions on the side.

I’ve been dined at Friend of a Farmer a handful of times and their brunch menu is fantastic. Also, their cocktails are on point. Basically, everything is good and you need to get there. Hehe!

 

• ecoFLEX raised dog bed

We’ve been looking to get a raised dog bed that for Roadie for a while now, and I was excited to see one appear at our doorstep this week! Right before Scott left for overseas, he ordered this with Memory Foam in Espresso for our aging pup. I love how it blends right in with our furniture!

Since Roadie is nearing eight years old, we are trying to keep his joints as happy and healthy as possible. Not only do raised dog beds seem to be better for elderly dogs, but they also help your dog stay at a comfortable temperature in the warm summer months and cold winter months.

The bed was extremely easy to assemble and only required a drill and about ten minutes of time. We had it out during our day of cooking and lounging for Thanksgiving and then I moved it into our room so he can have a bed of his own to retreat to at night. (He usually sleeps with us because he’s absolutely spoiled.) So far he loves it and the kitties do too!

(PS: You can find this specific dog bed (or a similar one on Amazon) on currently on sale at Houzz!)

 

• Thanksgiving “linner”

We decided to keep things extra low-key this year and picked up pre-made slices of seasoned turkey, cranberry relish, and ingredients for a special gluten-free dressing along with vegetables to roast at Whole Foods on Tuesday night. We roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, heated up leftover brussels sprouts and broccoli from dinner the night before, and my mom and aunt concocted a dressing that both of them could eat.

My aunt has a gluten allergy and my mom has a garlic and onion allergy, so we were pleasantly surprised with how this one turned out! I’m already looking forward to digging into leftovers (along with homemade pumpkin pie) tonight this weekend. Yum!

 

• Bombas Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all who entered the Bombas Giveaway this week. CONGRATS to entry #28, Rose!

You have been emailed and simply need to respond with your four socks of choice to claim your prize.

If you’re looking to try Bombas for yourself, remember to take advantage of getting 20% off your first order by using the discount code: LIFEINLEGGINGS20. (And keep an eye out for another giveaway coming soon!)

 

• favorite LIL posts

» No Excuses At-Home Holiday Workout

Life gets crazy around the holidays! If you’re scrambling around and don’t have time to make it to the gym, give this circuit a try at home. No equipment required!

» Cream of Butternut Squash Soup

Cream of Butternut Squash Soup (with healthier substitutions and suggestions) that’s perfect for Fall or a party appetizer!

 

Your Turn

What have you been loving this week? Link up your own faves below!

 

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Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you, and affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated!